Polishing and buffing 355

Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides

 

There are a number of good sites with information on the proper procedure to use. I like the videos by Chemical Guys which cover all aspects of detailing. A good dual action buffer is easy to master especially with the new foam backed microfiber buffs. Stay away from the cheap old school rotary buffers with wool pads, they are dangerous for your finish unless you are really skilled with them. Remember to always start with the mildest polish. Detailing a car is fun and very relaxing for most of us. Check it out and join the fun.

 

Agree with the above. A decent DA polisher will safely remove most of the minor swirl marks. These minor swirl marks (visible in sunlight) are the difference between a good and exceptional finish.
Be careful though - you'll quickly become hooked on finding perfection ;-)
Good luck

 

Like gto said , get urself a dual action buffer its safe, wash car , run your hand on the paint it should feel smooth like glass, if not, you may want to clay bar it first. if you have lotsa imperfections buy two foam pads , first buff with a mild rubbing compound then with other pad use a swirl remover to remove first applications fine haze, then hand wax, and use speed shine quick detailer for day to day cleaning.
I use meguiars products105 and 205 and im happy with results.(and my car is black.....)
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Very nice! Do you mean Meguiar's 105/205? I'm getting ready to use Meguiar's 105 and 205 on my cars this spring. Heard great things about these products.

 

Dang ...yes meguiars 105, 205, corrected ,im sorry.

 

Cavallo- That looks awesome!

What I've always used in the past (and about to use on the 355) is 3m products and a rotary buffer.

If the paint is in bad shape it's a 3 step process (after washing with dish soap and using clay bar)

On my car I will skip step one which is an aggressive compound/pad and start with step 2 grey machine polish and a grey foam pad.

This takes care of 99% of the surface imperfections.

I then follow it up with step 1 ultrafine machine polish and blue foam pad. This results in a mirror finish in my experience.

I think some use a synthetic paint sealer now, which I have no experience with so I will just stick to a good wax. (Pinnacle Souveran)

On a car like this with a lot of sharp edges you will want to do some masking so you don't burn inside/outside corners and also all of the glass trim and decklid trim so it doesn't get filled with compound.

Bradan had a paint correction thread a while back with a lot of good photos.

 

Thank you, seems like you know your stuff

 

Here's another pic in sun light
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

thats a badasss car. congrats

 

I wouldn't trade it for the world , thank you.

 

any one here had the balls to wet sand the paint?

 

Unless you own one , you just wont get it.....
Its a special car that fot years people have given a bad rap as far as maintenance etc...
But I think people are finally waking up and realize what an awesome machine this is once you sort out the common issues , this is my second one over the years , ive had a 360, nice ...but not a 355.!

 

Ive done it many times, you hafta really be carefull and be good with a rotating buffer,
But results are amazing , but limit it as much as possible as it does cut down the clearcoat , but necessary to remove stubborn scratches and flaws, I wet sanded and buffed my camaro its just amazing.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Normally , i'm not a fan of the blacked out look , but that car is so clean , i have to admit it works on that one. nice job !

 

Wow that car is gorgeous, sorry I meant on the F-Car with single stage. I've wet sanded my Boxster with exceptional results. Im tempted to do it on our ss paint but scared as hell lol

 

Thanks , I was really conflicted about doing the wheels, but I said what the hell I can always paint them back to stock eventually, and it turned out great, then I did tail lights,yellow calipers, Lowered the car, spacers and 295s in the rear, and voila! It looks stunning in person, and everything is fully reversible.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Don't be , I usually do 1500, 2000, 3000 grit to get rid of orange peel or imperfections, then rubbing compound with wool pad , then foam pad swirl remover , just keep paper wet and stay away from edges as much as possible as the will burn easily , just take your time , its a lot of work but very rewarding.

 

I do wax and polish by hand with two different waxes followed by instant detailer spray (also before waxing). I don't like to use a machine buffer or polisher and unless someone is a pro, I say no to them waxing using a machine as well. In the 5 years I've had my F355, it has only been touched by a machine waxing/buffer twice.

 

That black 355 is amazing

 

I like Cavallo's Vespa, too. Is it a P200e or something older, like a GS? Lambretta's and Vespa's were the first machines I got to play with, at least after my bicycles. Kind regards, John in CT.

 

That black F355 looks very nice.

 

Thank you for all your nice comments ,Its a 1980 px200, I was born and raised in italy and my toys bring me back....I also have a 1959 fiat 500 fully restored.

 

Please post pics